Survey: Specialty foods market, townhomes wanted in downtown Howell

Howell resident Jim Glenn (left) looks at maps with markings made by residents on Tuesday Oct. 30, 2018 during a public input session about the future of downtown Howell. Glenn looked at the maps during an event on Thursday Nov. 1, 2018 that revealed survey results about what residents want to see in the downtown area.(Photo: Sean Bradley - Livingston Daily Press and Argus)

That's according to results from a Howell Main Street survey released Thursday during an event at the Howell Carnegie District Library.

There were 774 total respondents of the survey that was open from Oct. 1 to 16. The Downtown Professionals Network out of Franklin, Tennessee served as consultants.

A solid majority of respondents — 72% — indicated the downtown district is improving or making progress.

"That's a pretty good thing that folks are recognizing the positive things that are happening in the district," said Jay Schlinsog of the Downtown Professionals Network.

The survey included questions about where people live and if they work in the downtown. It also included potential projects — such as housing, mixed-use developments, parking garages — and asked if they would fit in the downtown area.

On Wednesday, the first input session at Block Brewing Company drew nearly 40 people. The main task at this event was for those in attendance to indicate on a map where areas of improvement are and which areas are doing well and could remain as they are.

The area of East Sibley Street between South Barnard Street and McCarthy Street was marked by many as an area needing improvement.

Resident Jim Glenn said he likes the idea of underground parking because it allows more space for apartments and businesses.

A market hall-type eating establishment is something he mentioned being in favor of.

"Something that can be frequented year-round," Glenn said.

He likes the idea of linear gardens but said he is "not a big fan" of a climbing wall, slide or swing being put in the downtown.

"I don't know where you'd put that," he said.

If Howell is going to grow, Glenn said he would like to see it grow with a purpose.

"If you have a plan from it, it's going to look more purposeful and more pleasing," he said.

Contact Livingston Daily reporter Sean Bradley at 517-552-2860 or at spbradley@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SbradleyLD.